Christmas dinners throughout the UK are under threat this year from a shortage of lard as Eastern Europeans stockpile cheap cuts of pork.

Increased demand from recently-joined members of the European Union has led to a shortfall in available pork to turn into lard, retailers say.

New members, which include Hungary and Poland, are buying within the EU to avoid a levy on non-EU imports.

Lard can be used to make mince pies, Christmas pudding and roast potatoes.

Empty shelves

Supermarkets in the UK have already warned that stocks are running low and now there are fears that the shortage could spark panic-buying, leaving empty shelves in the run up to Christmas.

There has been unprecedented demand from Eastern European countries such as Poland and Hungary for the cheapest cuts of pork

Somerfield

Somerfield said it has already been forced to limit the number of tubs of lard on sale at each of its stores.

It had advised shoppers to check their local stores when possible to see if another delivery has come in.

"There has been unprecedented demand from Eastern European countries such as Poland and Hungary for the cheapest cuts of pork to meet their demand for sausages, salamis and pies," said a spokeswoman for Somerfield.

"This upsurge in demand for cheap cuts of pork-meat normally used to make the lard has lead to a serious shortfall in lard production throughout the European Union."

Lust for lard

If the lard mountain keeps melting, professional chefs are recommending that foodies use margarine or cooking oil instead.